Rita Odafe
President Bola Tinubu has faced significant backlash online for his remarks regarding the recent tragic events in Benue State.
Tinubu referred to the attacks as a “reprisal attack.”
This comment followed the shocking loss of over 200 lives in Yelewata, located in the Guma Local Government Area.
His media spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed that Tinubu has “reiterated his command in response to the recent cycle of reprisal attacks that resulted in numerous fatalities.”
Nevertheless, the statement failed to clarify why these apparently unprovoked assaults were labeled as reprisals, which has raised concerns among the local populace.
Atu Terver, the Principal Special Assistant to the governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, expressed his distress on Facebook, stating, “The President’s statement truly brings me to tears.”
He further questioned, “How can one classify genocide as a reprisal attack?”
Activist Ukan Kurugh also expressed his disdain, remarking, “Bayo Onanuga representing the President on X labeled this a reprisal attack?
“It’s clear that no one is looking out for us, and we must protect ourselves.”
Aguredam Keghter Moses, Deputy Country Director of the African Youth Union Commission in Nigeria, indicated there was more to be understood from the President’s message.
“That statement from the President should deliver a “CLEAR MESSAGE” already,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
